Distinctive features of IncRNA and mRNA between severe and mild patients with influenza a (H1N1) virus pneumonia

Dangsheng Xiao, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aging and Physic-Chemical Injury Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
Jinyou Li, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aging and Physic-Chemical Injury Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
Xuehui Zhao, Cangzhou People's Hospital, Cangzhou, China
Yongtao Li, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
Haifeng Lu, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
Jiezuan Yang, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China

Background: Influenza A virus H1N1 is a significant cause of respiratory infections, leading to severe complications in some patients. Understanding the molecular differences between severe and mild cases can provide insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for H1N1 infections. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the transcriptional variances in mRNA and lncRNA between severe and mild cases of H1N1 infection to discern potential markers contributing to the severity of the illness. Methods: Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on PBMC samples from 4 severe and 4 mild H1N1-infected patients. The transcriptional profiles of mRNA and lncRNA were analyzed to identify differential expression patterns between the two groups. Results: Analysis revealed 3655 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 3147 protein-coding genes and 508 lncRNAs, in severe versus mild H1N1 cases. These genes were linked to essential cellular processes like ribosome assembly and significant signaling pathways such as the MAPK signaling cascade. Conclusion: The identified DEGs, particularly those associated with ribosome assembly and key signaling pathways, may serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between severe and mild H1N1 infections. This research sheds light on the distinct transcriptomic features contributing to the pathogenesis of severe H1N1 infections, offering insights into differential diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets.

Keywords: H1N1. lncRNA. DEGs. Ribosome. MAPK signaling pathway.